Bacteria Used to Create Masterpieces

Researchers from Rome University modified E. Coli cells in order to recreate faces of well-known scientists and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. These E. Coli cells have been modified to respond to light patterns.

The team genetically-modified E. coli cells so that they would contain a protein called proteorhodopsin, which is found in ocean-dwelling bacteria, causing them to respond to light. 
By doing so, the scientists hoped, the E. coli bacteria that then received more light would swim faster than others, eventually creating the patterns needed [to] form the portraits.
Giacomo Frangipane, the lead author, said in a statement: “Much like pedestrians who slow down their walking speed when they encounter a crowd, or cars that are stuck in traffic, swimming bacteria will spend more time in slower regions than in faster ones.” 

Via Story Trender

(Video Credit: Caters Clips/ YouTube)

(Image Credit: Frangipane et al / CATERS)


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